Hope i havent created this thread a bit too early since transfer window is still open but it does seem like most of the 'contenders' have practically completed their transfer businesses

Barca, City, Juventus, Atletico have all strengthened while Madrid and Bayern have stable squads with many younger players ready to step up. This could possibly be the most open season in a long time, possibly breaking the stranglehold, Real Madrid have over this competition(and Barca too i suppose).

On paper, the Spanish big two probably start as favorites again but the other teams have considerably closed the gap compared to recent seasons. I'd hope to see Juventus win it but i think Atletico can make a strong case for winning it this year. They have the squad, they have the defensive organization, retained their key players and made smart signings on top of it. With the final being hosted in Atletico's stadium, the desire i'd imagine, to go all the way would be even stronger.

Atletico is my favourite assuming they don't face Madrid along with the way

Aside from them I have Barca, Juve, and City as potential winners too. I think it's a year too early for PSG but they have the individual quality to challenge regardless. Liverpool are also challengers. If Madrid signs someone to replace Cristiano's goals they will compete too.

I don't think we're favourites. Maybe if we add Cavani we could be but as it stands we only have one reliable scorer in the frontline who can never be healthy

It's going to be between Juve, Atleti and Barca I believe. I have always had Bayern in that bracket too but I don't rate them as highly anymore. They keep getting swept aside whenever they play a big team in Europe

We might make the quarters depending on how favourable the draw is to us but I am 99% sure won't win it. Maybe if we play a false 9 we can crowd the midfield and 0-0 our way to the final. Who knows

They will have Costa, playing with Griezmann since the start of the season. Plus Lemar, Rodri and Martins. They will have great depth. Seeing the opinions of people who actually followed them, Lemar and Rodri are legit talents.

Simeone won La Liga and reached the CL final with players like Raul Garcia, Adrian, Tiago, Mario Suarez etc. In fact he reached 2 CL finals with worse teams than this. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if he wins it with this team.

why does city have votes? y'all do realize they have to face liverpool eventually yes? only way pep the fraud hipster wins cl is if Liverpool gets knocked out before city can face them. Pep vs Klopp? wouldn't bet against the Klopp to eliminate city again.

Real Madrid are still around even without CR7.

I favor Madrid and Liverpool. if not them then maybe juventus or psg finally get their time to shine.

@BusterLfc wrote:They will have Costa, playing with Griezmann since the start of the season. Plus Lemar, Rodri and Martins. They will have great depth. Seeing the opinions of people who actually followed them, Lemar and Rodri are legit talents.

Simeone won La Liga and reached the CL final with players like Raul Garcia, Adrian, Tiago, Mario Suarez etc. In fact he reached 2 CL finals with worse teams than this. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if he wins it with this team.

Pretty much this. They also have the added motivation of wanting to play a CL final in their own stadium.

Griezzman: He's entering his prime years and doesn't have to worry about speculation regarding his future.

Costa: Gets a preseason with the team and isn't joining in January like he did last year.

Lemar: The ideal profile you want from a LM in a 4-4-2. He was a highly rated player in Ligue 1.

Those are just some players from the top off my head who will make a difference. Don't forget they have one of the best goalies in the world and are arguably the most organized team in the world. Nobody defends the spaces like Atletico lol.

This is the most talented individual set of players Simeone has ever had. He also has some decent depth unlike previous seasons. If the new players adapts to his methods, they'll make a serious run.

Think this might finally be City's year. But it's open. No clear favourites atm. I think Barca will be in the semis this season at least.

City is too one-dimensional. They only have one way they can play and they are damn good at it but whenever they face a team that knows how to beat them they have no plan B. That's why knockout format is bad for them

@vanDEEZ wrote:If the big names are RM, Barca, Juve, and Bayern, I'm almost certain it is going to be someone outside of that this season.

My pick would be either Atletico, or Man City.

What's this based on?, the last time a non-big name won the CL was Chelsea in 2012 if you can call them that and then Porto in 2004 lol.

Big teams always win this competition.

Partially gut, but the bigger teams I listed have been declining in the CL over the past few seasons. RM have capitalized on this (with a little luck), but without a goalscorer I think we are already out.

That opens the door for teams who have been on the edge- Liverpool, City, Atletico, who have improved their sides. I'd include PSG but I just have a feeling they are bound to flop.

Atletico are a cup team and this is the strongest they've ever been under Simeone. Don't see anything wrong with them being viewed as a potential winner. Atleast , I'd rate them ahead of the likes of Man City who are in the same boat as PSG as far as European performances go.

Bookmakers have Man City as favourites(along with Barca) and ahead of Real Madrid which is kinda surprising. They have shown nothing out of the ordinary that puts them above teams that have consistently performed in Europe for more than half a decade.